STREAM EXCLUSIVE ORIGINALS

Google Develops Blimp and Balloon Network to Connect Billions

Google reportedly intends to develop high-altitude balloons and blimps to transmit wireless Internet to a billion or more people, including residents of sub-Saharan African and Southeast Asia.

It's not a bird, or a plane. It's Google.

The search titan reportedly plans to develop a series of aerial wireless networks using balloons and blimps, according to The Wall Street Journal. Emerging markets in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia, as well as rural areas near major cities are the targeted demographics that Google hopes to reach. 

These high-altitude platforms are able to transmit signals to an area of hundreds of square miles, and could also be used to enhance Internet speed in urban centers. If successful, these networks could connect a billion or more new people to the Internet. 

Other technologies that Google has considered for this venture include television broadcast airwaves and satellite-based networks.

"There's not going to be one technology that will be the silver bullet," an unnamed source told WSJ.

BET Global News - Your source for Black news from around the world, including international politics, health and human rights, the latest celebrity news and more. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.

Get ready for the BET Experience, featuring Beyoncé, Snoop DoggR. Kelly, Erykah BaduKendrick Lamar and many more. Go here for more details and info on how to buy tickets. Register now to attend free film screenings, celebrity basketball games and more.

(Photo: Courtesy of Google)

Latest News

Subscribe for BET Updates

Provide your email address to receive our newsletter.


By clicking Subscribe, you confirm that you have read and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. You also agree to receive marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers) and other information from BET and the Paramount family of companies. You understand that you can unsubscribe at any time.